Having a Successful Garage Sale

It's that time of year again! The weather is beautiful, you have finished your spring-cleaning and you have a pile of items that are too good to throw away, but you don't use them anymore. It looks like a garage sale is the perfect solution! If you haven't used an item for over a year, you should consider it for the sale. Also check with local ordinances if you need a permit to hold a garage sale.

Advertising is the key - signs leading to the sale with large arrows and bold letters and an ad in the local paper are great. Keep plenty of change on hand, including larger some bills to break a $50). Make sure your prices end in 0.25 increments and you'll cut down on the amount of change you will require.

Get organized! Lay out items like you would see them in a store - like items together. Hang up clothes if you can. Put the size of the clothes item on the price tag to make it easier for the customer. Make sure your price tags are neatly written - most used items in good condition should be priced at 30-40% of its new price. You can price new-looking items a little higher.

Nice-looking items will turn more heads at your sale than trashy-looking ones. Whenever possible, clean an item the best you can to increase the chance it will sell and you will get the price you're asking. As a courtesy, save bags from your weekly shopping to put purchases in. You may want to sell beverages and snacks at your sale - just stock up at your local bulk store and price accordingly!